Naogaon zila was one of the
sub-divisions of former Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. It was upgraded to zila
on the 1st March, 1984.

Nomenclature: It is
believed that the present zila headquarters initially developed in a mauza
comprising of nine (meaning “Nao” in Bengali) villages (meaning “Gaon” in
Bengali). The zila might have derived its name as Naogaon from the words “Nao”
and “Gaon”.

Location: It is bounded on
the north by India, on the east by Bogra and Joypurhat zilas, on the south by
Rajshahi and Natore zilas ans on the west by Nawabganj zila and India. Naogaon
zila is situated between and north latitudes and between
and east longitudes.

History: This district
people are well known for their roles in the war of liberation. Shahid Major
Nazmul Haque was appointed as Wing Commander of No. 7 East Pakistan Rifles (E.P.R)
wing at Naogaon Mahukuma at the beginning of March 1971. He declared Noagaon as
of a part of Independent Bangla and organized a battalion comprising with
soldiers of E.P.R and volunteers. As the commander of that battalion, he took
position at the military camp at Bogura city after defeating Pakistan soldiers.

Area: It has an area of
3,435.67 square kilometers (1,326.52 square miles) of which 9.09 sq. kms. (3.5
sq. miles) is riverine and 19.45 sq. kms. (7.51 sq. miles) is forest area. It is
about 2.33% of total area of the country. In respect of area, it ranks 2nd
among 16 zilas of Rajshahi Division and 12th in Bangladesh.

Upazilas: Out of the 11
upazilas in the zila, Miamatpur is the largest with an area of 449.10 sq. kms.
(173.4 sq. miles) which is about 13.07% of the total area of the zila.
Badalgachi is the smallest with an area of 213.98 sq. kms. (82.62 sq. miles)
which is about 6.23% of total area of the zila.

Administrative Units: The
zila headquarter is located in Naogaon town under Sadar Upazila. There are 11
upazilas, 99 unions and 2,541 mauzas in the zila. The name of the Thanas /
upazilas are Nagoan, potnitola, Atrai, RaniNagor, Mohadebpur, Porsha, Damurhat,
Manda, Nyamatpur, Shapahar and Badalgachi.

Soil condition: Since
significant portion of the Naogaon Zila lies within the Barind Tract, the relief
of this area is elevated and moderately undulating. Barind Tract is the
important physiographic feature of the zila. It is mainly level Barind Tract,
containing grey terrace soils with an impervious ploughpan and a slowly
permeable substratum. It is deficient in silicious matter as it gets no deposits
of sand from flood water. A stiff of reddish clayey loam distinguishes it from
the remaining portions of the zila, which lie within the flood plains of the
Little Jamuna, Atrai and Purnabhaba rivers where soils are mainly silty in
redges and clays in basin centres in some areas and heavy clay in some other
areas. The Atrai river valleys are the young Atrai meander floodplain. The grey
and brown silty clay loam mixed in the Barind Tract covers a large area of the
zila. The red soils on the Barind Tract (Uplands) contains light loam of
alluvial plain which is used mainly by winter aman rice. There are perennial
marshes in the zila. The most notable of these beels is the Manda beel. It
continues in a chain of beels to the south and east. There is also an enormous
strech of perennial swamp all around Dublahati village.

Climate: Naogaon zila is
generally marked with a typical tropical monsoon climate with high temperature,
considerable humidity and moderate rainfall. The hot season commences early in
March and continues till the middle of June. The maximum mean temperature of
about is observed during the months of April, May and June. The
minimum mean temperature of about is recorded in January. The highest rainfall in the zila is
observed during the months of monsoon. It carries 80% of total annual rainfall.
The annual rainfall in the zila was 1,269 mm. in 1996.

River System: The main
rivers and rivulets flowing through the zila are Atrai, the little Jamuna, the
Purnabhaba, the Nagar, the Gur, the Ghakshir, the Khagra, the Shib, and the Hoja.
They become active channels during the rainy season and navigable by boats only.
The few stream channels are several miles apart and have tightly meandering
courses. Most of this area is shallowly flooded by rain water in the monsoon
season, but occasional flash floods in the Atrai and the little Jamuna rivers
spread river water over adjoining Barind areas. As the rivers are flowing over
the area of northern part of the country they are non-tidal. The principal
rivers cover an area of 9.09 sq. kms. (3.51 sq. miles) which is only 0.26% of
the total area of the zila. The length of the rivers within the boundary of the
zila is about 391 kms. (243 miles).

Holdinds: Holdings with
cultivated area less than 0.05 acres are considered as non-farm holding and all
farm holdings are classified into small (with operated area 0.05 to 2.49 acre),
medium (with operated area 2.50 to 7.49 acre) and large (with operated area 7.50
acre and above) holdings. There are 441,506 holdings (2.48% of country total) in
Naogaon zila (1996 Census) with 294,537 farm holdings (66.71%) and 146,969
non-farm holdings (33.29%). Of these holdings, 432,596 are headed by male and
8,910 are headed by female. In 1996, we found 211, 735 small, 69,486 medium,
13,316 large farm holdings.

Tenureship: There are
601,476 owned area (2.96% of the country total and 92.3% of Naogaon operated
area) with 586,175 farm holdings according to 1996 Census. There are 262,801
owned holdings (with 154,662 farm-holding), 129,865 owned-cum-tenant holdings
(with 127,689 farm-holding), 48,840 tenant holdings (with 12,186 farm-holding)
according to 1996 Census.

Households: According to
population census 1991, the total number of households of Naogaon zila was
401,000 which was 2.07% of the total households in the country. Estimated number
of households of the zila in 1996 was 456,000.

Population: Estimated
population in 1996 was 2,441,000 (2.44 million) which was 2% of the total
population of the country. The percentage of male and female population were
50.82% and 49.18% respectively. Among the eleven upazila, Porsha had the lowest
population of 111,000 (4.55% of the zila) while Manda had highest population of
376,000 (15.4% of the zila).

Density: The density of
population was 710 per sq. km. compared to 827 per sq. km. of the country.

Literacy Rate: Literacy
Rates of Population of 7 Years and Above age (Unadjusted) In Census, 1991 in
Naogaon was 28.4, with Male: 35.9, Female: 20.4[2].
After adjusting, literacy Rate of Population for All Ages by Sex,1991 in Naogaon
was 21.62, with Male: 27.46, Female: 15.53[3].
The rate of literacy for population 7 years and above was 45.7% as against 44.8%
for the nation in 1996. Total number of educational institute is 559. For
comparison with 1991 and 1981, we see -

Table1:
Percent of Population Attending School of Age 5-24 by Sex,1991.

The economy of Naogaon is mainly
agro-based, although non-farm economic activities are contributing some share in
the development oriented program of the zila.

Crops: Out of total
4,41,506 holdings of the zila, 66.71% holdings are farms that produce varieties
of crops namely local and HYV paddy, wheat, pulses, mustard, potato, different
kinds of vegetables, jute, sugarcane, spices and other minor crops. It is a
district well known for jute trade. The major agricultural comprise Aus (HYV Aus
was produced in 64,212 holdings in 1996 and 16,130 in 1983-84), Aman (HYV Aman
was produced in 279,811 holdings in 1996 and 28,410 in 1983-84), Boro (HYV Boro
was produced in 246,582 holdings in 1996 and 87,526 in 1983-84), Jute, Wheat.
Among the crops paddy, wheat, different kinds of vegetables, mustard, spices and
jute occupied 85.18%, 4.84%, 3.28%, 2.23%, 1.44% and 1.34% respectively of the
total gross cropped area of the zila. Among rice crops, Aman covers by far the
largest area followed by Boro and Aus[4].
In 1996, 91,152 farm holdings were under Aus, 402,326 farm holdings were under
Aman, 267,972 farm holdings were under Boro, 43,232 farm holdings were under
Wheat, 458 farm holdings were under minor cereals such as oat, barley, cheena,
maize, kaun, bajra, joar, etc. Rabicrops include Mustard, Khesari, Masur, Mash,
Potato, Sesame, Gram, Spices, Barley, Maize, Tobacco, Sugarcane etc. Spices were
produced in 12,875 holdings in 1996, Pulses were produced in 5,105 holdings in
1996, Oil seeds were produced in 21,608 holdings in 1996 and 20,672 in 1983-84
and Cash crops such as jute, mesta, shon, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, etc. were
produced in 19,907 holdings in 1996 and 29,272 in 1983-84. Comparing, we find
that HYV Aus, Aman, Boro, oil seed production increased while cash crop
production decreased in respective years.

In addition, homestead thickets,
shrubberies and backyards with planted trees often give support to many climbers
and twiners. Shim (Lablab purpureus) is the most commonly grown although winged
bean is also occasionally planted. Pui (Basella rubra) are planted for its leafy
greens. Moreover, some other plants are grown at the homesteads mainly for
aesthetic purposes. Vegetables such as patal, lobry, sasha, jhinga, karala,
humra, lau, kachu, shaks, tarmuj, bangi, potato, kopys, begun, mula, carrot,
beans, tomato, chichinga, turnip, etc. were total produced in 29,327 holdings in
1996.

Various fruits like mango (Mangifera
Indica), banana, jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), tal (palm – Barassus
flabillifer), coconut (Cocoo nasifera), betelnut, kalojam (Syzygium cumini),
piyara (Psidium guajava), jambura (Citrus grandis), kamranga, jalpai, supari
(Areca catechu) etc are grown. Tal palms are abundant in the Barind portion of
the zila. Bamboo and Mango are plentiful around homesteads. The fields are often
bordered with Banana. There are also many road side trees. Anyone walking around
Khagarkuri village of Naogaon district, will certainly be wonder-struck on
seeing the green belt on both sides of the road stretching across the village.
It is the poor village - women who, facilitated by Proshika into Shapla and
Sonali Samitis (groups), had done this to the surprise of passers-by.

Besides, the cultivation of hemp
plant (Cannabas sativa) is a specialty of the Naogaon zila. The plant yields 3
narcotic products called Ganja, Charas, and Bhang.

Agricultural inputs:
230,366 reported holdings, 64.46% of cultivated area irrigated – on an average
having 2.18 acre irrigated per holding and 271,968 reported holdings, 89.32% of
cultivated area used fertilizer according to 1996 census, net fertilized area
being 523,473. Naogaon had 7,351 deep-tube wells were in 7,179 reported
holdings, 35,809 low-lift pump in 33.042 reported holdings, 6,429 power pumps in
6,144 reported holdings – total 81,236 holding reporting use of modern
implements, 67,595 non-mechanized irrigation tools in 53,520 reported holdings,
3,309 power tillers in 3,236 reported holdings, 2,237 tractors in 1,995 reported
holdings. 5 holdings produced fodder.

Livestock and Birds:
Livestock and poultry are the subsidiary sources of household income here.
Cattle (total 601,626 in 1983-84, and 578,051 in 1996 – 207,811 holding
reported), Buffalo (total 30,671 in 1996 – 14,900 holding reported), Sheep
(total 97,655 in 1996 – 30,882 holding reported), Goat (total 527,629 in
1983-84, and 378,345 in 1996 – 141,814 holding reported) are the main livestock
in Naogaon – on an average having 3 cattle, 2 buffalo, 3 goat, 3 sheep, 8 fowl,
4 duck per household. Also, there are some mammalian fauna frequently seen in
the countryside of the Naogaon zila which are not economically significant
(however, a variety of rats, monkeys and bats are found here which have negative
effects on different crops). Once many different species of birds used to be
seen in the countryside, but now their numbers are being reduced significantly
because of the reduction of bio-diversity through damage to the environment.
Fowls (total 1,800,115 in 1983-84, and 2,503,444 in 1996 – 309,383 holding
reported) and Ducks (total 826,930 in 1996 – 194,576 holding reported) are the
main poultry in Naogaon. However, a large number of migratory birds visit during
winter season. They are usually seen in wet land areas and some are seen in the
swamps and beels of Naogaon zila.

Agricultural Labor Households:
There are 137,671 agricultural labor households (31.18% of the holdings)
with 62,702 farm holdings (45.55%) and 74,968 non-farm holdings (54.45%)
according to 1996 Census. Total 777,412 persons were engaged in agricultural
work. 239,166 male and 114,515 female were self-employed along with 138,735 male
and 94,065 female un-paid farm helpers or family helpers.

Operated Area: In 1996
census, Naogaon had 294,537 total farm holding. There are 651,851 operated area
(3.18% of the country) with 568,175 or 98.66% in the farm holdings (31.69% for
small, 44.4% for medium, 23.92% for large farm holdings) according to 1996
Census. Compared to agricultural census 1983-84, there were 671,136 operated
area (2.92% of the country) with 664,418 or 99% in the farm holdings. Therefore,
we see, although operated area increased, non-farm holding is increasing only
while decreasing farm holdings.

572,742 net temporary cropped
area (97.7% of net cultivated area), 568,163 net cultivated area (3.3% of the
country total) and 893,977 gross cropped area (3.12% of the country total) and
intensity of cropping is 156.1 (170.6 for small, 153.7 for medium, 141.9 for
large farm holdings). In 1983-84, intensity of cropping was 139.5 (155.3 for
small, 139.2 for medium, 129.2 for large farm holdings). Therefore, intensity of
cropping increased in all respect. People are now more concerned about utilizing
lands. Total homestead area is 25,960, 1.96% of the country total in 1996,
decreased from 2.17% according to 1983-84.

Arsenic: Some 80 million
people of Bangladesh are now at risk of Arsenic contamination. This was revealed
from the latest survey jointly conducted by DCH and SOES. After analyzing the
data, experts opined that groundwater Arsenic contamination and sufferings of
peoples in Bangladesh may be the biggest Arsenic calamity in the world. However,
after testing the water of tube-wells of several districts, the survey did not
found alarming level of Arsenic. Arsenic was found less than 0.01 mg/l in these
samples. These districts can be considered as completely safe from Arsenic
pollution. One of these 8 districts is Naogaon. The Public Health Engineering
Department of the Government of Bangladesh examined of tube well water samples
in some southern districts and concluded that Naogaon is one of the
"Contamination Free Districts". On the contrary, examinimg various areas, BAMWSP
targeted some areas of bangladesh as Arsenic Prone Upazilas where Porsha of
Naogaon had 28th place as in Phase 1 and 2, and Manda of Naogaon had 95th place
as in Phase 3. According to some experts, the percentage of arsenic-affected
tubewells is between 20 and 40 in Naogaon district. Proshika located
Naogaon as one of the least
affected district (2%). "Even in areas of low arsenic concentrations,
there are some 'hot spots' where a cluster of wells with unusually high
concentrations of arsenic exist. Such 'hot spots' are dispersed but most
noticeable in northern Bangladesh. We investigated one such 'hot spot' in Chapai
Nawabganj and estimated that it was about five kilometers by four kilometers in
extent'', the study said.

Flood:
Further to heavy rainfall in West Bangal and
water flow from the upper catchment areas of India, flood waters enters
Bangladesh in last quartrs of about each year. Flood waters spread to deeper in
Bangladesh over Naogaon. The affected population can be divided into two
categories; those remaining in flooded areas and those who have sought refuge
in shelters established by the local community, private individuals, the local
administration and NGOs. A few deaths have been reported each year. Millions
of people are believed to have been affected by the floods in affected
districts. Very few boats were available locally for relief and rescue
operations, since major rivers in the area are rare. This shortage of vessels
has in part been offset by the use of army and navy boats, and by the arrival of
boats from neighbouring districts, but these still fall short of requirements.
As floodwaters begin to recede the use of boats will be restricted and
possibilities for transport will be further curtailed. It is therefore
essential that relief supplies be delivered to affected areas before
communications become more difficult. Large numbers of tube wells have been
inundated and may need to be resunk, and there has been widespread arsenic
contamination. 80 to 90% of houses in the area are built of mud, which is
unlikely to have withstood the onslaught of the floods. Most of these houses
will have to be reconstructed. Rice due to be harvested in November has been
seriously affected by the floods. Other crops severely affected and
destroyed. Tons of husked rice and vegetable crops have been lost. Poultry and
goats were washed away by the sudden floods. Larger animals usually survived
the floods, but families are selling their livestock for much-needed cash as
fodder is scarce in the shelters, and animal theft rife. The Ministry of
Disaster Management and Relief (MDMR) has so far has been allocating cash and
rice to this affected district Naogaon[6].

CONSEQUENCES OF
INEQUALITY:

Mis-interpretation of
Islam: Obscurantism has no place in Islam
which is universally known as a progressive and dynamic religion. But some
unenlightened persons often misinterpreted the provisions of the holy scriptures
to suit their selfish purpose or their extremely constricted religious views.
But even in 2001, the wise and enlightened court verdict came in a suo moto case
concerning an incident in a village in Naogaon in which Shahida Begum was
forcibly given in ‘hilla’ (interim) marriage with her husband’s relative
following a ‘fatwa’ (religious decree) by a self-appointed religious leader,
Azizul Huq. The plea was that Shahida’s marriage with her husband had stood
dissolved because during a quarrel the husband had pronounced the word ‘talaq’
(divorce). The court held that Shahida’s marriage had not been dissolved
according to the provisions of the Muslim Family Law Ordinance, 1961, and that
even if for argument’s sake it is conceded that the marriage was dissolved,
there is no legal bar to the couple re-marrying, without any interim marriage
with a third person.

Forgery:
In the name of microfinance the NGOs are setting up a parallel banking system.
The high rates of interest they charge would not qualify them as cooperative
enterprises ... many NGOs in the area Naogaon are fake and are defrauding the
people[7].

Communal repression:
One of the incidents of communal repression in Bangladesh occurred in Naogaon :
On November 10, 1989, several temples in the city of Naogaon were attacked and
structurally damaged. Fear and panic spread in the Hindu villages near the city
of Naogaon and many villagers went into hiding for fear of life and prosecution
- on the Pretext of Babri-Masjid / Ram-Mandir Situation in India. Later, in
January 3, 2001, a Hindu housewife Putul Rani Das (22 yrs) was gang-raped at
her house by an armed gang. The fanatics afterwards killed her and left her
corpse. In January 25, 2001, Islamic fanatics attacked the houses of Ratan
Mohanta and Dilip Barman. They looted property worth over Taka 100,000 ($1,900
U.S.).

Minority Situation:
In a well publicized incident in 2000 in
Naogaon district, the heartland of Ashrai's work, local leaders forged documents
and harassed a group of 19 Santal families for nearly two years in order to
scare them from their land. When the families refused to move, the leaders hired
thugs one night who burned down the Santal homes and ambushed people as they
escaped the inferno. The story of the minorities in this area is a sad one.
Alfred Soren, the leader of the Santhals, who was burnt to death in Naogaon. As
one was killed; many more were critically injured; the police took four and half
hours to arrive on the scene (Daily Star, August 21, 2000). The Oraons, who have
adopted many Hindu ways, face the added burden of government legislation that
strips Hindus of legal rights in the event of land-loss! This Santhal
slaughtering happened at Vimpur village of Mohadevpur upazilla under Naogaon
district. Ethnic minority has a high place in our Constitution, philosophy and
national ethos. What happened at Vimpur is a big shame to our civilised
sensibilities.